ACTION: CALL TO “DO NO HARM” TO FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

The Trump Administration continues to attack LGBTQ and women’s rights. Earlier, the Administration relaxed the ACA birth control coverage requirement, asserting a need to protect religious freedom, and scrubbed references to LGBTQ people from official websites. The GOP uses “religious freedom” to violate the rights of women and minorities:
• HHS’s strategic plan defines life as “beginning at conception” and deletes all mention of LGBTQ people
• HHS blocked “Jane Doe,” a refugee, from obtaining an abortion for weeks until ordered to stop its opposition
A leaked WH memo documents the Administration’s intent to:
• Cut funding for contraception and focus on the rhythm method
• Defund a Teen Pregnancy Prevention program that works
• Slash USAID’s family planning budget, leading to worsening maternal and fetal health outcomes

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) has been used to justify the intrusion of religion into policy-making. The “Do No Harm” bill, H.R. 3222, would clarify that the RFRA doesn’t exempt any business or individual from laws that:
• Prohibit discrimination
• Require equal pay
• Protect child welfare
• Guarantee access to health care

Congress should pass Do No Harm and curb the use of “religious freedom” to violate fundamental rights.

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR SENATORS WYDEN AND MERKLEY
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about the Trump Administration’s assault on women’s and LGBTQ rights under the guise of “religious freedom,” citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Administration is trying to limit access to contraception and abortion, with the support of religious conservatives. It has withdrawn its support for programs and policies that address the unique needs of LGBTQ people. The “Do No Harm” bill (H.R. 3222) would restore needed balance to the RFRA. Please introduce companion legislation in the Senate and press for its passage so that the rights of all can be respected. Thank you.”

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR REPRESENTATIVES BLUMENAUER AND BONAMICI
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about the Trump Administration’s assault on women’s and LGBTQ rights under the guise of “religious freedom,” citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Administration is trying to limit access to contraception and abortion, with the support of religious conservatives. It has withdrawn its support for programs and policies that address the unique needs of LGBTQ people. Thank you for co-sponsoring the “Do No Harm” bill (H.R. 3222), which restores needed balance to the RFRA. Please continue to press for its passage so that the rights of all can be respected. Thank you.”

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR REPRESENTATIVES DEFAZIO, SCHRADER AND WALDEN
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about the Trump Administration’s assault on women’s and LGBTQ rights under the guise of “religious freedom,” citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Administration is trying to limit access to contraception and abortion, with the support of religious conservatives. It has withdrawn its support for programs and policies that address the unique needs of LGBTQ people. Please co-sponsor the “Do No Harm” bill (H.R. 3222), which restores needed balance to the RFRA, and press for its passage so that the rights of all can be respected. Thank you.

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**ACTION 2: FILE A COMMENT OPPOSING THE HHS STRATEGIC PLAN: DEADLINE TODAY**
You can find the HHS strategic plan here. http://bit.ly/2xyrhTc. The deadline is today! Comments on the removal of all references to LGBTQ people and on the HHS’s new definition of life as “beginning at conception” can be made here: http://bit.ly/2gFWrxz

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**ACTION 3: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family. Help them call their Members of Congress to press for the passage of the “Do No Harm” bill.

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